Arsenal moved closer to the Premier League title after Manchester City were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Everton in a thrilling encounter on Monday.
A stoppage-time strike from Jérémy Doku rescued a point for City, but a chaotic second-half collapse left their title hopes hanging, handing the advantage firmly to the Gunners.
The result means Arsenal now need to win their remaining three matches to end a 22-year to be crowned champions of England.
City trail by five points, albeit with a game in hand, but the nature of their collapse has raised doubts about their ability to recover.
Pep Guardiola’s side had looked in control for much of the first half and took the lead late in the opening period when Doku curled a fine effort past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
City dominated early proceedings and appeared comfortable, but the match turned dramatically after the break as defensive lapses cost them dearly.
Thierno Barry struck twice for Everton, with Jake O’Brien also heading home, as the hosts punished City’s repeated errors to take control of the game.
Despite earlier warnings, City failed to respond defensively.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves to delay Everton’s breakthrough, but mistakes at the back eventually proved costly.
An underhit pass allowed Barry to score Everton’s first, while another lapse led to a corner from which O’Brien powered in a header.
Barry later added a third from close range following a swift counter-attack, leaving City reeling.
However, the visitors responded quickly. Erling Haaland reduced the deficit almost immediately after Everton’s third, finishing from a pass by Mateo Kovačić.
Deep into stoppage time, Doku struck again with a sensational effort to level the score, denying Everton a famous victory and keeping City’s title hopes alive albeit narrowly.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, now control their destiny.
They face West Ham United next, before hosting Burnley and concluding their campaign away to Crystal Palace.
For City, the late comeback may prove insufficient in the broader title race, as their hopes of securing a seventh league crown in nine years appear to be slipping away.
